Posted:
Part 9
Riddhima sat in her room wondering about her feelings towards Riya. She had witnessed Anjali's mamta towards her daughter, and even her mom's mamta towards her and anjali. Why was it so hard to differentiate that mamta wala pyaar with whatever she feels for Riya? She loved Riya like her own daughter, but how was that even possible?
Her thoughts were interrupted as her father came into her room. "Riddhima beta I need to speak to you about something." Riddhima tried to smile at him as he sat on her bed. "Haan Papa kya hua?"
"Riddhima, I dont know ki how to tell you so i am just going to just come straight out and tell you. I've arranged your marriage. I've spoken to your mother and even she has agreed. I've spoken to his family and even his parents have agreed. Now it's just a matter of informing you."
Riddhima looked at her father shocked. informing her? that meant she didn't have a choice in the matter. She watched her father leave as her eyes well up with tears. NO! if she was getting married to someone else she wouldnt be able to continue her friendship relation with Riya. What if her husband objects to her being so close to another man's daughter? What if he doesnt understand? She was too shocked and upset to decipher anything. Without knowing or thinking about anything she grabbed her car keys and ran out the door.
Riddhima entered the hospital knowing Armaan was spending the night there with Riya. She just needed to see Riya. She ran into Riya room without a care for any of the nurses. Nobody questioned her as it was her father's hospital.
Riddhima saw Riya sleeping on the bed and armaan sleeping on the sofa facing riya. Riddhima went and stood near riya and watched her sleep. She covered her mouth to ensure she doesn't make any sound while crying.
Armaan woke up feeling a presence. He didn't know why but he felt that Riddhima was near. He was shocked that she was actually there, not only there but she was standing there crying and watching riya.
He stood up and put his hand on her shoulder, "riddhima kya hua?"
Riddhima quickly turned and hugged Armaan and let her tears out.
Armaan led riddhima to the couch and sat down. As she was clutching on to him they didn't realize she sat in his lap.
Armaan rubbed her back while he asked, "Riddhima kya hua?"
Riddhima spoke into his chest, "Armaan papa arranged my marriage. He wants me to get married."
Armaan felt his heart tearing but he couldnt say anything. "toh why are you crying? you don't love anyone no? toh maybe he will be a great guy? i'm sure you want to marry one day."
Riddhima shook her head. "nahin par agar i marry toh what if he keeps me away from riya? what if he doesn't understand that i love her like my own daughter? that i dont think i could ever love my own children more then i love her or that i dont even know why or how but i feel like she is my daughter too? even though i know thats not true nor possible."
Armaan rubbed her back and held her close trying to stop her tears, "she i'm sure he'll understand riddhima, aur ek na ek din you will have children too. You need to marry sooner or later na? toh what difference does it make if its now? don't you want all that? the sangeet, mendhi rasam, haldi, big wedding, phir your husband searching for his name on your palm, suhaag raat, having children with him? growing old with him? just being with him? dont you want to experience all that wonderful love? those amazing feelings? that immense happiness and joy?"
Riddhima was quite for a moment as she thought about all that then said, "haan par not at the cost of losing my relation with Riya. I'd chose Riya any day, even if it meant i would have to live as a homeless lady on the road hoping to catch a glimpse of her as she goes to school, or goes out."
Armaan just fell silent as he didn;t know what to say to help. His heart screamed that he wanted to marry her, he wanted to cherish all those moments with her, he wanted watch riya grow older with her, but he knew it wasn't possible nor fair to ask her that. She deserved the right to love. Nobody would ever love a divorcee man with a child already, though nicole died after the divorce, some even considered him a widower.
---
Rahul walked into Riya;s room in the morning with the intention of telling Armaan about his arranged marriage and was pleasantly surprised to find riddhima and armaan sleeping on the couch hugging. Riya was up and smiling. She put her finger on her lips and indicated to be quite as they were sleeping. He smiled and nodded.
He sat on the stool just as they woke up. They seemed flustered as they realized where and how they were lying.
Rahul spoke with a smirk. "Toh I guess you both already heard you're getting married to each other huh?"
Armaan and Riddhima looked at each other shocked. Then Rahul realized by the look on their faces that they actually did not know.
---
Part 10 -
Armaan stared into space shocked beyond wits. Sure he loved her and would do anything to have her as HIS wife, to love and to hold and cherish forever, but he knew she didn't love him and would never want to be tied down with him. As much as he hated saying no to this relation he spoke up knowing the akward air needed to be broken. "Um I'm sorry. I didn't know. But don't worry Ridz. We can talk to our parents about this hm? I know ki though you need time to think about what you want in life, you would probably dream of marrying a wonderful guy and having him all to yourself until you both have your own children. Marrying a single guy with a 2 year old daughter is out of the question. It is unreasonable to ask any girl that. Don't cry okay? I promise i'll help you fix this."
Riddhima looked at him confused, not knowing what to say. Armaan looked around and then pulled her backstage.
Riddhima smiled and they started going back to the dance floor to inform everyone, when suddenly a drunk Chirag - Armaan's college buddy, made an announcement.
Armaan made a move to go stop him but Riddhima held Armaan's hand to stop him, wanting to hear what Chirag had to say.
Rahul laughed nervously as he realized they were utterly shocked...he probably shouldn't have spilled it like that...It wasn't really his fault though, anybody who saw them sleeping like that would have thought they were married already!
"um I'll just be right back...i'll get us some coffee..."
Rahul quickly left the akward air filled room. Riya had fallen back asleep as she was content knowing both her papa and rima were both there.
Riddhima was just shocked. She had no idea her marriage had been fixed to Armaan.
Armaan stared into space shocked beyond wits. Sure he loved her and would do anything to have her as HIS wife, to love and to hold and cherish forever, but he knew she didn't love him and would never want to be tied down with him. As much as he hated saying no to this relation he spoke up knowing the akward air needed to be broken. "Um I'm sorry. I didn't know. But don't worry Ridz. We can talk to our parents about this hm? I know ki though you need time to think about what you want in life, you would probably dream of marrying a wonderful guy and having him all to yourself until you both have your own children. Marrying a single guy with a 2 year old daughter is out of the question. It is unreasonable to ask any girl that. Don't cry okay? I promise i'll help you fix this."
Riddhima looked at Armaan confused. "no armaan shut-up let me think and process this na? i mean i agree ki we don't love each other and all, but i mean in a sense isn't this kind of what i wanted? why i was crying yesterday at the thought of marriage? Because i couldn't bare the seperation from riya? this way i wont have to wish she were my daughter - she would be! par haan altough i can live my life with that joy, its not fair on you."
Armaan looked at Riddhima astounded. "Riddhima, i have no objections whatsoever. Nothing could make me happier then being able to give Riya a mother, but you are not understanding the gravity of this. I'm sure you've dreamt of falling in love one day and marrying the man of your dreams. What happens if you realize this isn't the life for you that you do want that love? Don't get me wrong. Par look at me? haan girls throw themselves on me because of looks, but I am a 29 year old man with a 2 year old daughter. No girl can ever fall in love with me. Think about it. Make your decision wisely. Just not to long ago you hated me! you weren't talking to me because of that drunken night. Now you are only here with me because of Riya's accident."
"Nahin Armaan, actually us raat jo bhi hua, it wasn't your fault alone. We were both drunk. I was just really upset and angry and well I put the blame on you, par after thinking a lot about everything we were both equally drunk. I was there too. It wasn't like you forced me? I agree I was too drunk to realize but you were too. Phir I just didn't know how to face you."
Just then their talks were interrupted as Shashank called Riddhima. She kissed Riya on her forehead then left with a quick bye to Armaan.
----
"Papa, I am ready to get married to Armaan." Shashank looked at Riddhima shocked but happy.
----
While the parents were gathered together to discuss the marriage details, Riddhima, Muskaan, Anjali, and Nikki were gathered at Anjali's house. Anjali had called the girls over. "you guys wont believe ki what the guys are doing. Toh Atul accidently let it slip that they are all throwing Armaan a surprise pre-bachelors party! aur guess what fell out of the file abhi gave atul? This card for BELLY DANCERS!" Nikki scowled. "Kya? toh this is why abhi couldn't go out for dinner? ab toh revenge!" Riddhima shook her head, "guys choro na! i'm sure they are just enjoying!"
Anjali;s mouth dropped. "I have a plan girls!" Anjali whispered something to them all, which everyone but Riddhima was happy about. "Lekin guys, I mean shouldn't you trust them?" They all shook their heads at Riddhima then dragged her out. They entered a club from the side door dressed in belly dancing outfits which covered their faces - well not their eyes.
They walked in and were shocked by what they saw. Muskaan turned towards ridz and whispered, "trust huh?"
Armaan was on stage dancing while the other guys cheered him on.
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NLgRb8J2y8[/YOUTUBE]
(do watch!)
Riddhima watched Armaan dance with other girls and her mouth dropped.
Nikki nudged her and whispered, "you have to admit he looks HOT"
Riddhima glared at Nikki then pulled them back stage.
"I changed my mind. Let's do this!" The other girls smiled at Riddhima then the announcement for the special performance was made. Taking the cue the girls went on stage - Riddhima taking center stage."
Imagine something like this - But to sheila ki jawani
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFDgGEr_eN4[/YOUTUBE]
Armaan watched the main dancer dancing with other guys. He smiled and went on stage. He started dancing near her and grabbed her hips from behind and started rubbing his body against hers while dancing.
Riddhima was shocked as she saw/felt armaan doing this. She knew it was him, but he didnt know it was her? Okay so she admits they dont actually love each other, but if they are getting married shouldnt they try and be loyal? She had thought him to be one type of guy but he turns out to be another!
Riddhima gasped as she felt him tracing her tattoo and leaning towards her ear.
"Nice moves Riddhima." Riddhima turned and looked at him shocked. "Dont be so surprised ridz, I've seen your tattoos remember? actually i've seen a lot more then just your tattoos but you know what i mean. also your eyes stand out. The moment I saw you walk in I knew it was you and I'm assuming the others would be your friends and sister."
Riddhima stared at him in shock, then Armaan continued.
"Riddhima i only danced with those other girls because they dared me saachi! par why were you so upset about it?"
Riddhima looked at him confused, not knowing what to say. Armaan looked around and then pulled her backstage.
"Armaan I wasn't upset okay?" Armaan looks at her then says, "waise why are you here?" Riddhima looks out then says, "in short because Atul let the surprise slip, then Di found out Abhi booked Belly Dancers, and well Nikki and Anji Di have trust issues, Muski thought it'd be fun, and well I got dragged along."
Armaan laughed and said, "well looks like they are all dancing with each other and I guess Rahul and Muskaan have finally met." Riddhima smiled then said, "well i'll get the girls and we'll get going, you guys enjoy." Armaan shook his head, "no i need to get going too. Riya is home with Ma and Papa toh.."
Riddhima smiled and they started going back to the dance floor to inform everyone, when suddenly a drunk Chirag - Armaan's college buddy, made an announcement.
"You know guys, Armaan is the best friend ever! Yaar he deserves so much happiness par I don't know why he was always hurt in the past, i mean with his previous marriage if you can even call it that."
Armaan made a move to go stop him but Riddhima held Armaan's hand to stop him, wanting to hear what Chirag had to say.
"Pata hain, Nicole was so bad! Armaan was forced to marry her, par she was just in it for money! they didn't even sleep in the same room! People misunderstand because of Riya, par Nicole had her through IVF! Phir when riya was a girl toh Nicole Left! turned out she was cheating on Armaan anyways! Phir toh she died in an accident after the divorce, par Armaan just its not fair yaar. Pata hai he always dreamt of his dream girl. He would always sing of her! Yaad hai armaan? i hope ki this time things turn out better. its just not fair..."
Suddenly a video started playing which showed a younger armaan - likely in college singing and dancing.
(only imagine it's armaan and only he is singing)
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXsHXJHJlYs&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]
"Armaan itna aacha hai yaar, it's not fair. lekin mein god se pray karta hoon ki you get all the happiness this time. All the love you deserve and desire!"
Riddhima stared at chirage and the screen in disbelief. She then turned to see a teary-eyed armaan. Armaan felt all the eyes on him and couldn't take the feeling and he just ran out.
Riddhima ran out after Armaan with tears in her own eyes.
"Armaan ruko!" Riddhima caught Armaans hand and stopped him just as he stood next to his car. "Armaan chalo give me the keys." Armaan wouldnt budge so Riddhima grabbed his car keys and got in the drivers seat. "Get in Armaan we need to talk." Armaan reluctantly got in and Riddhima sent a message to Anjali saying she left with Armaan.
Riddhima began driving in silence and stopped at the nearby beach. She got out and gestured for him to follow her. They went and sat on a big rock.
"Armaan remember I asked you once ki pyaar kya hota hai? aur the way you answered me it seemed like ki you've been in love. I assumed ki it was Nicole, par i mean..."
Armaan sighed as Riddhima struggled to find the right words. He looked out at the ocean as he spoke, "Haan, par not with Nicole. That picture of her you found in my car? I honestly don't know how it got there. And the way i was holding her? Hah the photographer literally forced us to sit like that. I never loved her. I mean i tried to make it work, but she just wasn't interested. Phir when it turned out Riya was a girl she left because apparently her first born had to be a boy in order to inherit her grandfather's money. I never touched her. Not once. Haan I fell in love with someone after her death but i guess my luck is such that I will never get happiness. What I never realized before was that missing someone actually meant sitting right beside them and knowing you can't have them. "
(the bit in red is Shru's wonderful line from AWOTB)
Riddhima looked at Armaan and felt tears stinging her eyes. "I'm..I'm sorry Armaan." Riddhima wasn't sure why but knowing Armaan loved someone else made her upset. She didn't like it. She tried to convince herself that it was because they were going to get married, but then again she knew that it was arranged and only really because of her relation with Riya. "Armaan...um kaun..kaun hai woh?"
Armaan looked at her thinking - tum ho riddhima, sirf tum...
"woh choro riddhima, mera toh kismat hi kharab hai...i've accepted ki i'm not meant to get love."
Riddhima looked at Armaan. She wondered whether to ask him or not, but she decided she couldnt help but ask. "toh i mean kya you don't think ki i mean shaadi ki baad that we could ever maybe love each other?"
Armaan looked at Riddhima in disbelief. "do you think you could ever love me? Do you think ki even after all you;ve just learnt about my life that i have any hope or chance to get love?"
Riddhima looked at armaan. She could finally see a deep pain in his eyes, but there was a hint of something else, but she couldnt pinpoint what it was.
"Armaan agar you can promise me to try to make this relation work then i will do the same. I mean don't get me wrong. Haan I love Riya aur I want to be her mother so badly, par i wouldnt have agreed to marry you for that reason alone. Haan humne naashe mein bhi kuch kuch kiya, par that alone wouldnt have made me agree either..."
Armaan looked at her, "toh phir why did you agree? why marry a loser like me?"
"Armaan you aren't a loser okay? pata nahin kyun par i feel like you are a really good person. I mean don't get me wrong, i have dated around but i mean i never took anything too far, well except that one drunken night with you. Aur I mean I feel like I can see us raising Riya together. I can see us trying to make it work. Aur i mean when i look back at my past toh i can't see that with anyone else, par with you its easier to imagine. I can't really explain it, par you really are a gem of a person. i mean this whole time i had been thinking ki you were in love with nicole aur such.. toh it was like i knew you were off limits, if you hadn't been toh pata nahin shayad i might have fallen for you by now. We are so similar to each other too. I mean we both have low tolerance in alcohol, we're doctors, have/like tattoos, we both love children, enjoy dancing, reading, we both believe in fitness - we jog, we both play basketball. I mean if you think about it don't you think we could work? we seem so perfect for each other..."
Armaan smiled at her. "toh you really think ki ek din you could fall for me?"
Riddhima looked at the sea and said, "haan shayad...i think it was harder to not fall for you all these days...waise you keep saying ki if i can fall for you, par what about you? you said you love someone. toh can you really forget her and love me one day? aur why aren't you with her?"
Armaan looked at the sea while riddhima turned to face him. He sighed before responding, "I've never felt this way for someone before. Aur I love her a lot. She'll always be in my heart. I can never forget her."
Riddhima felt a tear go down her cheek. "toh why are you marrying me? why not marry her?"
Armaan turned to face riddhima and she could see his red eyes with tears flowing. "kyunki i love YOU riddhima."
--
Current Affairs
